Curated Cumbria 16/07/2025
Two major summer art exhibitions and keeping a legend’s legacy alive
Curated Cumbria is our free newsletter dedicated to the pick of the county’s arts and entertainment scene, brought to you by Intro in partnership with the Cumbria Arts & Culture Network.
This week we preview two new exhibitions, one exploring the timeless appeal of flowers and plants as a source of inspiration for artists, the other celebrating connection and influence through the work of 17 creatives. There’s also a gig by Lemmy’s right-hand man in Motörhead and an update to our story last week on the Kirkgate’s 30 films for its 30th anniversary.
ART
Rooted in creativity - Rheged looks at the inspiration of flowers on art
The art world isn't short of great work inspired by plants and flowers - just ask Monet.
It's a relationship explored in the summer exhibition at the Rheged Centre, near Penrith, which launches this week.
In Bud & Bloom celebrates flowers as artistic muses through more than 220 contemporary pieces by 43 artists, 13 of them living and working in Cumbria, working across 21 different mediums.
It starts by showcasing Cumbrian gardens’ vibrant flora - complete with stunning photography, film, historical botanical art, and Victorian scientific drawings - before exploring floral influences in Arts and Crafts interiors and garden designs inspired by Morris & Co. and Baillie Scott.
Wander through a rich array of paintings, sculptures, paper art, ceramics, textiles, mixed media and installations, each selected for their creativity, engagement, and celebration of joy. Discover a deeper understanding of floriography, folklore, symbolism, and flowers’ powers to heal or harm, all brought to life with artist sketchbooks and studio video insights.
Families will enjoy the hands-on paper flower-making activity, perfect for children. Conclude your visit in the immersive soundscape room.
Admission is just £3 per adult, with under-12s free. The gallery is open daily from 10am to 5pm; your visit should take an hour to an hour and a half. More here.
ART
Where rivers meet - 17 artists celebrate connection
Cross Lane Projects in Kendal presents Confluences, a group exhibition curated by Rebecca Scott, bringing together 17 contemporary artists in celebration of artistic connection, influence, and dialogue.
Rather than a traditional group show, Confluences is a gathering of voices shaped by time, place, and shared experience. The exhibition draws on the personal and professional journeys of Cross Lane Projects’ co-director Mark Woods, tracing the many creative tributaries he has encountered during his life in London and Cumbria. Each artist featured has, in some way, left a mark - through collaboration, inspiration, or a fleeting but lasting connection.
The result is a rich and multi-layered show that spans painting, sculpture, and installation. The title, Confluences, captures the spirit perfectly.
Artists whose work is featured include Jim Whiting, Stella Whalley, Gavin Turk, Lawson Oyekan, Michael Petry, and Julia Maddison
The exhibition is open Wednesday to Saturday, 12pm-5pm. Free entry. More details here.
MUSIC
Louder than everything else - paying tribute to a rock legend
Nearly 10 years after their iconic frontman died, Motörhead are firmly back in the news.
It's thanks to the installation of a statue of Lemmy in his birthplace of Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent.
Since it was unveiled in May it has become a place of pilgrimage for rock fans from across the world.
Phil Campbell, the band's longest-serving guitarist, was there that day to witness the permanent tribute to the man he shared a stage with for 31 years.
And he is keeping the Motörhead flame alive with his band, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, formed in 2016 after Lemmy headed off to the great gig in the sky in December 2015.
They are no mere tribute act, having produced three albums of original material, but their concert at Carlisle's Old Fire Station next Thursday, 24 July, will indeed celebrate 50 years of Motörhead.
Expect all their great songs from their vast back catalogue, including Overkill, Bomber and Ace of Spades, performed by Phil, his sons Todd, Dane and Tyla with singer Joel Peters.
Support from Fury. Tickets still available here.
CINEMA
Free passes to Kirkgate’s summer festival of film
Cockermouth's Kirkgate Centre's summer festival of 30 films to mark its 30th anniversary - which featured in last week's Curated Cumbria - has been given an extra boost from Cumberland Council.
Any Cumbrian resident receiving working age benefits or pension credits will be able to enjoy free passes to the festival, thanks to a grant of £1,150 from the council's Healthy Places Funding Panel.
Each film being shown has been chosen for its link to Cumbria. It opens this Friday, with Leaving Las Vegas by Carlisle-born director Mike Figgis, and other selections up to the closing night on 17 August include Jude, Miss Potter and 28 Days Later.
To claim your pass, email enquiries@thekirkgate.com, phone 01900 829966 or call into the box office on Monday or Friday from 10am to 12noon.
EVENT LISTINGS
Start making plans with a bit of help from our guide to what’s on in Cumbria and the Lake District.
**HIGHLIGHTS**
Langdale Live, Wainwrights Inn, Ambleside
Friday 19 July
The ultimate family festival returns to the heart of Langdale Valley with live bands, BBQ feast, outdoor bars, face painting, DJ sets and more. Whether you're dancing to the beat or watching little ones light up with joy, this vibrant celebration offers entertainment for all ages. Free entry.
West Coast Comedy Festival, Rosehill Theatre, Whitehaven
Saturday 19 July
Rosehill's first ever comedy festival features four comedians performing hour-long shows: Susie McCabe, Tiff Stevenson, Lost Voice Guy, and Hal Cruttenden. An all-day celebration with TV favourites and award-winning performers. 16+.
Wild on the Wall Festival, Walton, Brampton
25-27 July
A fun-packed family weekend festival with camping on historic Cumbrian grounds surrounded by Hadrian's Wall. Features multiple live music tents showcasing local bands and artists, stalls from local businesses, workshops, and entertainment for all ages. Under 12s go free, dog friendly, campervans welcome. Under 16s must be accompanied by 18+.
The Hannah Brine Quartet, Kirkgate Centre, Cockermouth
Sunday 27 July
Singer songwriter Hannah Brine performs songs from her forthcoming album Blue Sky Now. With a voice likened to Carole King and Norah Jones, she delivers lush ballads and lively jazz anthems in an evening of sublime musical storytelling.
**MORE LISTINGS**
The Time Lab: Museum Late, Wordsworth Grasmere
Friday 25 July
Explore the new exhibition, meet artist Stacey Joy Rossouw, and enjoy drinks in the Garden-Orchard. Contribute your own 'spot of time' to the exhibition through hands-on creative activities.
The Time Lab: A Living Prelude, Wordsworth Grasmere
Until 1 November
Inspired by Wordsworth's The Prelude, this interactive exhibition transforms personal stories and poetry into a continually changing artwork. Artist Stacey Joy Rossouw uses drawing, sound and workshops to explore how memories resonate through time.
In Bud & Bloom, Rheged Gallery, Penrith
Until Sunday 5 Oct
Celebrating flowers through 220 contemporary artworks by 43 artists across 21 mediums. From painting to ceramics, textiles, sculpture, and installations. There will be a preview event on Thursday 17 July from 5.30pm-7.30pm. RSVP to daisy.strong@rheged.com
Festival of Transport, Barrow Town Centre
Saturday 19 July
A free family day out featuring classic cars, vintage motorcycles, electric vehicles and more lining the streets from 10am to 4:30pm. Includes funfair rides, exhibitor arenas, street entertainers and a live stage, culminating in a procession through the town centre.
Anything Goes Summer Silent Disco, The Brickyard, Carlisle
Saturday 19 July
Be part of one of the weirdest and most popular nights in The Brickyard’s calendar with everyone singing and dancing along to three different DJs all at the same time. Expect the biggest hits from every genre, old and new, plenty of curve balls and a few guilty pleasures thrown in for good measure too.
CONFLUENCES, Cross Lane Projects, Kendal
19 July–13 September - Opening Preview: Friday 18 July, 6-9pm
Cross Lane Projects presents 17 contemporary artists including Mark Woods, Gavin Turk, Louise Bourgeois, and Helen Chadwick. Curated by Rebecca Scott, this exhibition explores influences and dialogues between co-director Mark Woods and artists from his London and Cumbria networks. Featuring painting, sculpture and installation.
Incredible Country, The Howard Arms, Carlisle
Wednesday 23 July
Cumbria's most incredible acts including the Sensational Kerry Weir, an artist who is known for her amazing voice and sold-out venues.
Cumberlandia, Rivendell Festival Site, near Workington
25-27 July
Boutique folk music and dancing festival celebrating local artists and culture with special guests, set in acres of carefully landscaped countryside with a maximum 500 people creating an intimate, magical atmosphere.
Coast Roads Festival, Barrow Park, Barrow-in-Furness
26-27 July
A diverse two-day music festival featuring over 30 acts including The Silver Bars, Little Strange, Jon Dawes, and The Dales across multiple genres in the scenic Barrow Park setting.
The Dead Religion, Thin White Duke, Carlisle
Sunday 27 July
The gospel according to the gone. Reserve your free place now. This is a very small venue.
The Courettes, The Brickyard, Carlisle
Wednesday 13 August
The Courettes is an explosive rock duo from Denmark and Brazil who found the perfect blend between garage rock, 60s Girl Group, Wall of Sound, r&b, surf music and doo wop. Like The Ronettes meet The Ramones at a wild party at Gold Star Studios echo chamber.
Guest Artist: Pete Pieri, The Fountain Gallery, Wigton
Throughout July
Pete's artwork is inspired by his love of the countryside and wildlife around North Cumbria. A Leeds College of Art & Design graduate, he paints the quieter parts of the Eden Valley using acrylics to capture the changing seasons in local woodlands, riverbanks, farms and villages.
Forty Farms at The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven
Until 7 September
Award-winning photographer Amy Bateman captures the lives of 40 Cumbrian farmers through powerful photography and personal stories, showcasing the diversity and resilience of the farming community.
See our full list of July events by clicking the link below.
